California Facial Plastic Surgeon is asked about “Awake Facelift"

March 25, 2012 - PRLog -- Traditionally facelifts had been performed under general anesthesia or with IV sedation and local anesthesia.  As time and techniques and our knowledge of Facial Plastic Surgery advanced, many plastic surgeons started utilizing local anesthesia with oral sedation for facelift surgery.  This shift has brought about by many factors:
1. Patient’s desire to avoid general anesthesia and its potential complications
2. Patients are seeking minimally invasive procedures with faster recovery
3. Continuous advancement in different techniques of utilizing local anesthesia in a safe and beneficent way for the patient
4. Reduced cost of procedures by using local anesthesia without sacrificing the quality and safety of the outcomes of the procedure
Dr. Kevin Sadati, a board certified facial plastic surgeon, in Newport Beach, is one of California’s top facial plastic surgeons who is often invited to premier plastic surgery conventions in order to educate other plastic surgeons on his revolutionary facial rejuvenation technique using local anesthesia.  He has performed well over 5,000 facial procedures, making him one of the foremost sought after specialists in this area.  He is often asked to lecture on his renowned “Double C” lift technique to other face lift surgeons. This technique was developed by Dr. Sadati which is truly the next generation of high definition facial rejuvenation under local anesthesia without the cost and prolonged recovery associated with a traditional face lift.  This facelift will improve the laxity of jowls, cheeks, and loose neck (turkey neck) and will make individuals look and feel like they did years ago!
As he explains facelift under local anesthesia is not for everyone.  Some patients needs are such that multiple or more extensive surgery (i.e. forehead lift or composite facelift) is required that is best performed under general anesthesia or IV sedation.  In addition, every patient's medical and surgical history must be considered when choosing this route. The correct and best option for each patient is best explored and discussed during the personal consultation process.
We ask the doctor:"What is it like to have a Facelift with local anesthesia?"
The best advice he always gives is to speak directly with his patients who have gone through it - who would know better than them?
As a whole his patients have been very surprised with the ease of the procedure for them.  A common concern among many his patients are the needles.  Will it hurt? How many injections?  To their surprise the injection process is not bad at all.  The reason for this is that he goes to great efforts to create a calm and comforting atmosphere for our patients.  Everyone is welcomed and made comfortable by meeting all of the staff first.  He has made it a point to only work with employees that are mild mannered and sympathetic to his patients' needs.  Also very important is injection technique.  He uses a very small needle and takes his time with a gentle touch.  In addition a special mixture of local anesthesia is used so as to minimize any burning that is usually felt due to the chemical nature of the anesthetic.  His patients are encouraged to breathe easy and relax while listening to a meditation audio especially made for his patients. All these little details combine to make the injection process smooth, relaxed and comfortable for the patient.
During the procedure a cotton earplugs can be used for the patient or they can request music or soothing nature sounds that is played on iPhone speaker system.  Dr. Sadati uses Pandora on iPhone with a large variety of music that suitable for the patients.  Some patients like to talk to his assistant during the procedure and others like to close their eyes and drift off to sleep.
For some patients the idea of any medical procedure does induce some anxiety.  To help patients overcome this anxiety he offers oral valium prior to the procedure to help ease their nerves.
No pain is experienced during the facelift due to the local anesthesia.  Feelings of pulling and tightness may be experienced, but that is a good thing since that is the whole point of the procedure anyways!
The procedure can take about 2 hours.  The estimated time is reviewed before starting and updated as we move along so the patient knows exactly what to expect.  One of the important factors keeping patients at ease is the use of special pillows and an adjustable procedure bed so that the patient's neck and back are comfortable throughout the procedure.
Throughout the procedure he not only ensures patient comfort but state their curiosity as well.   Some patients would like to know everything as he is performing the procedure; others like to lie back comfortably with eyes closed and not have to worry about the details at all.  
After the procedure, patients are able to sit up and walk right away.  Often they will have some cool, refreshing water, orange juice or some request warm oatmeal.  With use of local anesthesia, there is no nausea, grogginess or potential breathing or urinary retention issues as with general anesthesia.  As a precaution the patient's vital signs are monitored throughout the procedure and verified again before discharge.
Later in the day Dr. will call every patient at home to see how they are doing and to see if they have any questions.  Invariably they mention how much easier the whole process was than they expected.  The recovery is about one week, and sutures are removed in that time. Once complete healing is achieved, this revolutionary facelift technique gives his patients a younger and more refreshed look without that ‘pulled’ or ‘artificial look’.  His patients describe the positive responses they get from friends and co-workers who tell them constantly, that they “look so great!"  They cannot figure out if their friend has lost weight, gotten a new haircut, or taken a relaxing vacation, all they know is that they see a refreshed and naturally looking younger friend!
http://www.galleryofcosmeticsurgery.com/face-procedures/f...

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Our facility provides the most modern equipments available that allows us to handle any cosmetic concern for our patients. Dr. Kevin Sadati, a board certified facial plastic surgeon employs the latest techniques for addressing patient's cosmetic needs.